Role Of Cell Wall Research Articles

PHR1, a pH-regulated gene of Candida albicans encoding a glucan-remodelling enzyme, is required for adhesion and invasion

The fungal cell wall plays a crucial role in host-pathogen interactions. Its formation is the result of the coordinated activity of several extracellular enzymes, which assemble the constituents, and remodel and hydrolyse them in the extracellular space. Candida albicans Phr1 and Phr2 proteins belong to family GH72 of the beta-(1,3)-glucanosyltransferases and play a crucial role in cell wall assembly. PHR1 and PHR2, homologues of Saccharomyces cerevisiae GAS1, are differently regulated by extracellular pH. PHR1 is expressed when ambient pH is 5.5 or higher, whereas PHR2 has the reverse expression pattern. Their deletion causes a pH-conditional defect in morphogenesis and virulence. In this work we explored whether PHR1 deletion affects the ability of C. albicans to adhere to and invade human epithelia. PHR1 null mutants exhibited a marked reduction in adhesion to both abiotic surfaces and epithelial cell monolayers. In addition, the mutant was unable to penetrate and invade reconstituted human epithelia. Transcription profiling of selected hyphal-specific and adhesin-encoding genes indicated that in the PHR1 null mutant, HWP1 and ECE1 transcript levels were similarly reduced in both adhesion and suspension conditions. These results, combined with microscopy analysis of the septum position, suggest that PHR1 is not required for the induction of hyphal development but plays a key role in the maintenance of hyphal growth. Thus, the beta-(1,3)-glucan processing catalysed by Phr1p is of fundamental importance in the maintenance of the morphological state on which the adhesive and invasive properties of C. albicans greatly depend.

Virtual Screening of potential drug-like inhibitors against Lysine/DAP pathway of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

BackgroundAn explosive global spreading of multidrug resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is a catastrophe, which demands an urgent need to design or develop novel/potent antitubercular agents. The Lysine/DAP biosynthetic pathway is a promising target due its specific role in cell wall and amino acid biosynthesis. Here, we report identification of potential antitubercular candidates targeting Mtb dihydrodipicolinate synthase (DHDPS) enzyme of the pathway using virtual screening protocols.ResultsIn the present study, we generated three sets of drug-like molecules in order to screen potential inhibitors against Mtb drug target DHDPS. The first set of compounds was a combinatorial library, which comprised analogues of pyruvate (substrate of DHDPS). The second set of compounds consisted of pyruvate-like molecules i.e. structurally similar to pyruvate, obtained using 3D flexible similarity search against NCI and PubChem database. The third set constituted 3847 anti-infective molecules obtained from PubChem. These compounds were subjected to Lipinski's rule of drug-like five filters. Finally, three sets of drug-like compounds i.e. 4088 pyruvate analogues, 2640 pyruvate-like molecules and 1750 anti-infective molecules were docked at the active site of Mtb DHDPS (PDB code: 1XXX used in the molecular docking calculations) to select inhibitors establishing favorable interactions.ConclusionThe above-mentioned virtual screening procedures helped in the identification of several potent candidates that possess inhibitory activity against Mtb DHDPS. Therefore, these novel scaffolds/candidates which could have the potential to inhibit Mtb DHDPS enzyme would represent promising starting points as lead compounds and certainly aid the experimental designing of antituberculars in lesser time.

Boron deficiency

Boron (B) is an essential micronutrient for vascular plants. Boron plays a structural role in cell walls through binding to pectic polysaccharides. It still remains unclear how B deficiency, and hence probably alterations in cell wall structure, leads to various metabolic disorders and cell death. To understand the process, we analyzed the physiological changes in suspension-cultured tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) BY-2 cells under B deficiency. The results indicated that the cells deprived of B did not undergo a typical programmed cell death process. Oxidative damage was proven to be the direct and major cause of cell death. We discuss possible mechanisms for the generation and accumulation of reactive oxygen species under B deprivation.

Role of cell wall degrading enzymes in the interaction of poplar and Melampsora larici-populina Kleb.

The activity of cell wall-degrading enzymes, produced in poplar cultivars infected Melampsora laricipopulina Kleb., was studied. The results show that PMG, PMTE, CX and β-glucosidase played roles during the infection. After inoculation, the activity of PMG in both susceptible and resistant cultivars had two peak values in 2 dpi and 5 dpi. The activities of PMTE and β-glucosidase had a peak value in 3 dpi, and CX in 2 dpi. Among these cell wall-degrading enzymes, the activities of PMG and PMTE were higher and the activities of CX and β-glucosidase were relatively lower. The activities of these cell wall-degrading enzymes were significantly higher in susceptible cultivars than those in resistant cultivars. All these demonstrated that these cell wall-degrading enzymes played certain roles in the infection of M. larici-populina.

A new picture of cell wall protein dynamics in elongating cells of Arabidopsis thaliana: Confirmed actors and newcomers

BackgroundCell elongation in plants requires addition and re-arrangements of cell wall components. Even if some protein families have been shown to play roles in these events, a global picture of proteins present in cell walls of elongating cells is still missing. A proteomic study was performed on etiolated hypocotyls of Arabidopsis used as model of cells undergoing elongation followed by growth arrest within a short time.ResultsTwo developmental stages (active growth and after growth arrest) were compared. A new strategy consisting of high performance cation exchange chromatography and mono-dimensional electrophoresis was established for separation of cell wall proteins. This work allowed identification of 137 predicted secreted proteins, among which 51 had not been identified previously. Apart from expected proteins known to be involved in cell wall extension such as xyloglucan endotransglucosylase-hydrolases, expansins, polygalacturonases, pectin methylesterases and peroxidases, new proteins were identified such as proteases, proteins related to lipid metabolism and proteins of unknown function.ConclusionThis work highlights the CWP dynamics that takes place between the two developmental stages. The presence of proteins known to be related to cell wall extension after growth arrest showed that these proteins may play other roles in cell walls. Finally, putative regulatory mechanisms of protein biological activity are discussed from this global view of cell wall proteins.

Pertumbuhan dan Kualitas Anthurium Hookeri pada Berbagai Pemberian Boron

Title : The Growth and Quality of Anthurium hookeri on Various Boron Application. Anthurium hookeri is one of ornamental plants having high economical and aesthetic value, however they growth slowly. For accelerate their growth can be done by giving accurate nutrient and appropriate concentration. Boron is one of essential nutrient for plant having important role in cell wall and translocation carbohydrate. The aim of this research is to study the effect of applying boron on growth of A. hookeri and to find out the appropriate boron concentration for growth of A. hookeri. The research was arranged based on Split Plot Design with 2 factors and 4 replicates. The main factor was the kind of A. hookeri (green and red) and the sub plot was boron concentration with 4 levels e.i (0; 0,3; 0,6; and 0,9 ppm). The data observation ware analyzed by variance analysis and continued by Duncan Multiple Range Test in level 95 %. The research showed that there was no interaction between the kinds of A. hookeri and boron concentration. Application boron 0,3 ppm increase plant height, number of leaf, and width of leaf red A. hookeri, application boron 0,9 ppm rise plant height, number of leaf, width and quality of the green A. hookeri. Key words: A. hookeri, boron, growth, quality

Role of cell walls in the bioaccessibility of lipids in almond seeds

Certain nutrients and phytochemicals in almonds may confer protection against cardiovascular disease, but little is known about factors that influence their bioavailability. A crucial and relevant aspect is the amount of these dietary components available for absorption in the intestine, which is a concept referred to as bioaccessibility. We investigated the role played by cell walls in influencing the bioaccessibility of intracellular lipid from almond seeds. Quantitative analyses of nonstarch polysaccharides (NSPs) and phenolic compounds of cell walls were performed by gas-liquid chromatography and HPLC, respectively. In a series of experiments, the effects of mechanical disruption, chewing, and digestion on almond seed microstructure and intracellular lipid release were determined. In the digestibility study, fecal samples were collected from healthy subjects who had consumed diets with or without almonds. Almond seeds and fecal samples were examined by microscopy to identify cell walls and intracellular lipid. Cell walls were found to be rich in NSPs, particularly arabinose-rich polysaccharides, with a high concentration of phenolic compounds detected in the seed coat cell wall. During disruption of almond tissue by mechanical methods or chewing, only the first layer of cells at the fractured surface was ruptured and able to release lipid. In fecal samples collected from subjects consuming the almond diet, we observed intact cotyledonary cells, in which the cell walls encapsulated intracellular lipid. This lipid appeared susceptible to colonic fermentation once the cotyledonary cell walls were breached by bacterial degradation. The cell walls of almond seeds reduce lipid bioaccessibility by hindering the release of lipid available for digestion.

Update on Boron in Higher Plants ‐ Uptake, Primary Translocation and Compartmentation

Abstract: This review focuses on the uptake and primary translocation of boron (B), as well as on the subcellular compartmentation of B and its role in cell walls of higher plants. B uptake occurs via passive diffusion across the lipid bilayer, facilitated transport through major intrinsic proteins (MIPs), and energy‐dependent transport through a high affinity uptake system. Whereas the first two represent passive uptake systems, which are constitutively present, the latter is induced by low B supply and is able to establish a concentration gradient for B between the root symplasm and the external medium. At high B supply, a substantial retention of B can be observed at xylem loading, and passive processes are most likely responsible for that. At low B supply, another energy‐dependent high affinity transport system for B seems to be induced which establishes an additional concentration gradient between root symplasm and the xylem. The possible significance of all these processes at various B supplies is discussed. The role of soluble B complexes in uptake and primary translocation of B has been evaluated, but the few data available do not allow comprehensive conclusions to be drawn. In any case, there are no indications that soluble B complexes play a major role in either uptake or primary translocation of B. The subcellular compartmentation of B still remains a matter of controversy, but it is unequivocally clear that B is present in all subcellular compartments (apoplasm, cell wall, cytosol and vacuole). The relative distribution of B between these is dependent on plant species and experimental conditions and may vary greatly. Recent results on the well‐established role of B in cell walls are summarized and their physiological significance discussed.

Analysis of the distribution of copper amine oxidase in cell walls of legume seedlings.

Copper-containing amine oxidase (CuAO) has been proposed to play a role in H2O2 production in plant cell walls during cell development and in response to pathogen attack. We have compared the localisation of CuAO in pea (Pisum sativum L.), lentil (Lens culinaris M.) and chick pea (Cicer arietinum L.) grown under different light conditions, using both immuno- and histochemical techniques. The enzyme was detected by indirect immunofluorescence in the cell walls of parenchyma tissues of etiolated pea and lentil plants and was particularly abundant at intercellular spaces. Upon de-etiolation, CuAO largely disappeared from cortical cell walls except in the region of intercellular spaces. In the apical internode of light-grown seedlings, CuAO occurred mainly in cortical cell walls and, to some extent, in cell walls of xylem vessels. In both the elongation zone and mature regions of roots, CuAO was restricted to cortical cell walls and some cell junctions close to the meristem. Extensin epitopes co-localised to intercellular spaces of the cortex in de-etiolated pea, indicating that CuAO may have a role in cell wall strengthening at intercellular spaces. In chick pea, the localisation of the enzyme varied between different cultivars that have differing susceptibility to the fungus Ascochyta rabiei. In a susceptible cultivar Calia, immunogold labelling localised CuAO to cell walls of the cortex, as in lentil and pea, while in a resistant cultivar Sultano, it was most abundant in xylem vessels and, in light-grown plants, in the epidermis. These expression patterns are discussed with regard to the possible functions of amine oxidase in cell growth, cell differentiation and pathogen resistance.

Genes and plant cell walls: a difficult relationship

ABSTRACTChemical information, carried by genes, is one of several types of information important for the functioning of cells and organisms. While genes govern the two‐dimensional flow of information, the cell walls are at the basis of a structural, three‐dimensional framework of plant form and growth. Recent data show the walls to be a cellular'organelle’ undergoing dynamic changes in response to a plethora of stimuli. In this review, an integrated approach, rooted in the organismal perspective, is taken to consider the role of cell walls in the biology of plants. First, the complexity of molecular and biochemical events leading to the biosynthesis of wall components is described within the framework of its spatial cellular organisation, and the major regulatory check‐points are characterised. Second, cell walls form a structural and functional continuum within the whole plant and thus could be defined in relation to the protoplasts that produce them and in relation to the plant itself. Model systems of suspension‐cultured cells are used to reveal the existence of a bidirectional exchange of information between the protoplast and its walls. The ‘plasticity’ of plant cell reactions, seen in defence responses or in changes in wall composition, to e.g. stress, plant growth regulators or chemical agents as well as the role of cell walls and/or wall components in somatic embryogenesis are also discussed. Third, being a continuum within the plant body, the walls fulfil vital functions in plant growth and development. The examples characterised include the determination of cellular polarity and the plane of cell division, cytokinesis, and the role of plasmodesmata in cell‐to‐cell communication and the formation of functional symplastic domains. Fourth, the exocellular control of morphogenetic processes is described and the potential of cell walls as determinants or reservoirs of positional information is indicated. Particular emphasis is put on the (bio)chemical signals coming through or derived from cell walls as well as the mechanical properties of the walls. Based on those data, the ‘plant body’ concept is formulated. The plant is thus treated as a unit filled with intertwining networks: (1) symplastic, (2) the endomembrane system and (3) cytoskeletal, with cell walls providing an architectural scaffolding and communication ports formed within (4) the cytoskeleton‐plasma membrane‐cell wall continuum.

Genes and plant cell walls: a difficult relationship.

Chemical information, carried by genes, is one of several types of information important for the functioning of cells and organisms. While genes govern the two-dimensional flow of information, the cell walls are at the basis of a structural, three-dimensional framework of plant form and growth. Recent data show the walls to be a cellular 'organelle' undergoing dynamic changes in response to a plethora of stimuli. In this review, an integrated approach, rooted in the organismal perspective, is taken to consider the role of cell walls in the biology of plants. First, the complexity of molecular and biochemical events leading to the biosynthesis of wall components is described within the framework of its spatial cellular organisation, and the major regulatory check-points are characterised. Second, cell walls form a structural and functional continuum within the whole plant and thus could be defined in relation to the protoplasts that produce them and in relation to the plant itself. Model systems of suspension-cultured cells are used to reveal the existence of a bidirectional exchange of information between the protoplast and its walls. The 'plasticity' of plant cell reactions, seen in defence responses or in changes in wall composition, to e.g. stress, plant growth regulators or chemical agents as well as the role of cell walls and/or wall components in somatic embryogenesis are also discussed. Third, being a continuum within the plant body, the walls fulfil vital functions in plant growth and development. The examples characterised include the determination of cellular polarity and the plane of cell division, cytokinesis, and the role of plasmodesmata in cell-to-cell communication and the formation of functional symplastic domains. Fourth, the exocellular control of morphogenetic processes is described and the potential of cell walls as determinants or reservoirs of positional information is indicated. Particular emphasis is put on the (bio)chemical signals coming through or derived from cell walls as well as the mechanical properties of the walls. Based on those data, the 'plant body' concept is formulated. The plant is thus treated as a unit filled with intertwining networks: (1) symplastic, (2) the endomembrane system and (3) cytoskeletal, with cell walls providing an architectural scaffolding and communication ports formed within (4) the cytoskeleton-plasma membrane-cell wall continuum.

Ultrastructure of cell wall of the cps8 actin mutant cell in Schizosaccharomyces pombe

A Schizosaccharomyces pombe cps8 mutant, of which the gene encodes a mutant actin with an amino acid substitution of Asp for Gly 273 [J. Ishiguro and W. Kobayashi (1996) FEBS Lett. 392, 237–241], was used to determine the role of the actin cytoskeleton in cell wall formation. In the cps8 mutant cells, atomic force microscopic and scanning electron microscopic images showed abnormal depolarized and branched morphology. Fibrous material covered a part of the surface of growing cps8 cells. Transmission electron microscopic images showed variable thickness of the cell wall due to multilayering of cell wall materials, and aberrant multisepta due to diagonal growth of the primary septum, whereas the normal primary septum grows at a right angle from the cortex. This abnormal septum formation may induce abnormality of the cell with multinuclei and/or multisepta, caused by non-separation of daughter cells. These results indicate that actin plays an important role in cell wall and septum formation.

Ultrastructure of cell wall of the cps8 actin mutant cell in Schizosaccharomyces pombe.

A Schizosaccharomyces pombe cps8 mutant, of which the gene encodes a mutant actin with an amino acid substitution of Asp for Gly(273) [J. Ishiguro and W. Kobayashi (1996) FEBS Lett. 392, 237-241], was used to determine the role of the actin cytoskeleton in cell wall formation. In the cps8 mutant cells, atomic force microscopic and scanning electron microscopic images showed abnormal depolarized and branched morphology. Fibrous material covered a part of the surface of growing cps8 cells. Transmission electron microscopic images showed variable thickness of the cell wall due to multilayering of cell wall materials, and aberrant multisepta due to diagonal growth of the primary septum, whereas the normal primary septum grows at a right angle from the cortex. This abnormal septum formation may induce abnormality of the cell with multinuclei and/or multisepta, caused by non-separation of daughter cells. These results indicate that actin plays an important role in cell wall and septum formation.

Symplastic and apoplastic sugar contents in gall tissues and callus of the sumac (Rhus chinensis MILL.)

To elucidate the role of cell wall in interaction with gall-inducing organisms, symplastic and apoplastic sugar contents in different shapes of gall tissue of the sumac (Rhus chinensis Mill.) were compared with those of the callus. The gall tissues with vascular cylinders, intercellular spaces and callus were fractionated into symplastic [methanol (MeOH), hot water (HW), and starch] fractions and apoplastic [pectin, hemicellulose, trifluoroacetic acid (TFA)-soluble, and cellulose] fractions. Symplastic sugar content of gall tissues was higher than that of callus. In apoplastic (cell wall) fractions, the cellulose content of gall tissues was lower than that of callus, due to large amount of pectin with high ratio of uronic acid (UA) and hemicellulose with low ratio of UA. Analysis of neutral sugar component of the hemicellulosic, TFA-soluble fraction showed that arabinose (side chain) and galactose (backbone) of arabinogalactan were rich in gall tissues and callus. The gall tissues had higher glucose and lower xylose contents than the callus. These results suggest that the structure of cell wall polysaccharides of gall changed during its development with an increase in symplastic sugar contents. The feeding activities occuring in gall by the gall-inducers were discussed.

Investigation of macromolecule orientation in dry and hydrated walls of single onion epidermal cells by FTIR microspectroscopy

Polarised infrared spectra from the wall of a single epidermal onion cell were obtained using a Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) microscope. The use of a newly constructed hydration cell allowed studies of both composition and architecture of intact walls of single hydrated plant cells. By comparing spectra taken with infrared light polarised perpendicular, or parallel, to the long axis of the cell, orientations of macromolecules in dry and hydrated cell walls were investigated. It was observed that bands associated with pectin were stronger with polarisation perpendicular to the direction of the cell elongation. On the other hand, bands associated with cellulose were more intense with polarisation parallel to the direction of cell elongation. These results show that in dry and hydrated cell walls, not only was there a net orientation of cellulose, but also of pectin. The implication of this is that pectin, which was previously thought to play no structural role in cell walls may, in fact, contribute to the mechanical and structural properties of the cell network. Such results are likely to have a tremendous impact on the formulation of definitive models for the static and growing cell wall.

Role of cell wall of groundnut roots in solubilizing sparingly soluble phosphorus in soil

Groundnut showed a superior ability to take up P from a soil with low P fertility compared with sorghum and soybean. This ability was not related to its better root development or production of root exudates capable of solubilizing iron-and aluminum-bound P. In efforts to determine the role of roots per se, we found that root cell walls from groundnut showed a higher P-solubilizing activity than those from soybean or sorghum. This finding corresponds well with observations in field and pot experiments using a soil with low P availability. The reaction site of P-solubilizing activity is stable against heating and enzyme digestion by cellulase and pectinase. This is probably the first evidence to demonstrate that cell walls of plant roots are involved in P-solubilizing activity. ei]Section editor: H Marschner (deceased 21 September 1996)

STRUCTURAL AND CHEMICAL BASES FOR TEXTURE OF PLANT FOODSTUFFS

Following a brief review of plant morphology, tissue organization and cell structure, the structure/texture relationship in edible plant materials is discussed with special emphasis on the role of cell wall and cytoplasmic components (starch, protein, lipids and vacuolar solutes). The review of published experimental data is supplemented with information deducible from interfacing the disciplines of plant physiology/microscopy and food science/texture. Recent engineering studies on tissue failure are discussed and their relevance to the advancement of the structure/texture relationship is pointed out.

Long clinostation influence on the localization of free and weakly bound calcium in cell walls of Funaria hygrometrica moss protonema cells

The pyroantimonate method was used to study the localization of free and weakly bound calcium in cells of moss protonema of Funaria hygrometrica Hedw . cultivated on a clinostat (2 rev/min). Electroncytochemical study of control cells cultivated at 1 g revealed that granular precipitate marked chloroplasts, mitochondria, Golgi apparatus, lipid drops, nucleoplasma, nucleolus, nucleus membranes, cell walls and endoplasmic reticulum. In mitochondria the precipitate was revealed in stroma, in chloroplast it was found on thylakoids and envelope membranes. The cultivation of protonema on clinostat led to the intensification in cytochemical reaction product deposit. A considerable intensification of the reaction was noted in endomembranes, vacuoles, periplasmic space and cell walls. At the same time analysis of pectinase localization was made using the electroncytochemical method. A high reaction intensity in walls in comparison to that in control was found out to be a distinctive pecularity of the cells cultivated on clinostat. It testifies to the fact that increasing of freee calcium concentrations under conditions of clinostation is connected with pectinic substances hydrolysis and breaking of methoxy groups of pectins. Data obtained are discussed in relation to problems of possible mechanisms of disturbance in calcium balance of plant cells and the role of cell walls in gomeostasis of cell grown under conditions of simulated weighlessness.

Role of cell wall in Saccharomyces cerevisiae mutants resistant to Hg2+.

Hg2+-resistant mutants were isolated from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Although they were very much like the parental strains in terms of colony-forming ability, they grew faster than the parental strains in the presence of sublethal doses of Hg2+. The Hg2+-resistant mutations were dominant. They were centromere linked and were divided into two groups by means of recombination; one of the mutations, designated HGR1-1, was mapped on chromosome IV because of its linkage to the TRP1 locus. The Hg2+-resistant mutants took up Hg2+ as much as, or slightly more than, the parental strains did. The mutants and parental strains retained only about 5 and 15%, respectively, of the cell-associated Hg2+ after removal of the cell wall; therefore, the mutants had less spheroplast-associated Hg2+ than did the parental strains. These results indicate that the cell wall plays an important role in protection against Hg2+ by acting as an adsorption filter and that the mutations described confer Hg2+ resistance by increasing the Hg2+-binding capacity of the cell wall.

Role of cell walls in experiments on light-induced drift

In a set of experiments aimed at observing a light-induced drift of atoms and molecules, it was found that particle drift due to a difference between the characteristics of collisions of excited and unexcited particles with cell walls was not observed. The observed changes in the gas state were completely due to a volume light-induced drift.